Comments on: Frugality in Practice: The DIY Footrest http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:10:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: ann http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-155025 ann Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:35:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-155025 I love the irony of a frugality website having ads for expensive closet organizers! No sarcasm there, it tickles my funny bone. And I'm glad you've got advertising going to support your work. I love the irony of a frugality website having ads for expensive closet organizers! No sarcasm there, it tickles my funny bone. And I’m glad you’ve got advertising going to support your work.

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]]> By: Avani http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127792 Avani Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:26:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127792 I usually use a tissue pack. It can also be used as a small table while using laptop. I usually use a tissue pack. It can also be used as a small table while using laptop.

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]]> By: Aryn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127744 Aryn Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:32:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127744 I use a sturdy shoebox (Avia) under my desk. It's exactly the right height and holds up well. I use a sturdy shoebox (Avia) under my desk. It’s exactly the right height and holds up well.

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]]> By: kick_push http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127737 kick_push Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:42:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127737 JD.. that's ghetto! hahaha i like it though JD.. that’s ghetto!

hahaha i like it though

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]]> By: Charles Anderson http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127714 Charles Anderson Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:16:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127714 My grandmother used a phonebook covered with shelf lining contact paper. It lived under her desk most of the year, but then was used as a booster seat when grandkids came buy. Phonebooks are free. Shelf paper is cheap. My grandmother used a phonebook covered with shelf lining contact paper. It lived under her desk most of the year, but then was used as a booster seat when grandkids came buy.

Phonebooks are free. Shelf paper is cheap.

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]]> By: Shanti @ Antishay http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127673 Shanti @ Antishay Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:40:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127673 This post is awesome and made me laugh all over :D Thanks for sharing! This post is awesome and made me laugh all over :D Thanks for sharing!

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]]> By: mike http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127595 mike Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:46:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127595 i agree that 50 bucks is too much for a footrest but i am tickled by the thought that you mentioned being quite able to BUILD the worlds most beautiful footrest yet......your hunk of wood is anything BUT beautiful. Hey, man, if it works for you - cool - i just hope you don't shortchange yourself and start typing your blog on discarded cargo crates to save a buck! i agree that 50 bucks is too much for a footrest but i am tickled by the thought that you mentioned being quite able to BUILD the worlds most beautiful footrest yet……your hunk of wood is anything BUT beautiful. Hey, man, if it works for you – cool – i just hope you don’t shortchange yourself and start typing your blog on discarded cargo crates to save a buck!

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]]> By: Cat http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127579 Cat Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:29:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127579 I use a phone book under my desk. I can't remember the last time I looked something up on the phone book so at least I get some use out of it. I use a phone book under my desk. I can’t remember the last time I looked something up on the phone book so at least I get some use out of it.

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]]> By: Jean http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127572 Jean Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:32:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127572 Love it! I think that we are so used to going out and buying whatever we want that we forget we are completely capable of creating things ourselves. This is how I started making beaded jewelry. I looked at something that someone was selling at a craft fair and thought, 'I could do that!' In addition to saving money, there's that little self-esteem boost that comes from seeing the results of one's handiwork (no matter what it looks like!). Love it! I think that we are so used to going out and buying whatever we want that we forget we are completely capable of creating things ourselves. This is how I started making beaded jewelry. I looked at something that someone was selling at a craft fair and thought, ‘I could do that!’ In addition to saving money, there’s that little self-esteem boost that comes from seeing the results of one’s handiwork (no matter what it looks like!).

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]]> By: No Debt Plan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127566 No Debt Plan Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:16:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127566 Can you imagine the profit on a $50 foot rest? Probably cost $3 in plastic, tops. Good grief. Can you imagine the profit on a $50 foot rest? Probably cost $3 in plastic, tops. Good grief.

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]]> By: elisabeth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127564 elisabeth Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:45:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127564 A few years ago, I requested a Levenger "trampoline" footrest for a birthday gift. On the one hand, I felt it was too was expensive (though I see it is now on sale for 29.95), but I spend a lot of time at my desk and wanted it for probably a year before we bought it -- the wait and see if you still want it technique didn't work on this item! It tilts back and forth and there are three massaging roller balls (same effect that #26 above is getting for free), so it gives me something to do when I'm on the phone or whatever, that feels like, if not exercise, at least movement While I guess this was an extravagance, at the time I used the cost per use justification -- and now that I've had it for three years, and used it almost every day during that time, it has only cost literaly pennies a day and since I expect to keep using it for several more years, the cost will go down even more. A few years ago, I requested a Levenger “trampoline” footrest for a birthday gift. On the one hand, I felt it was too was expensive (though I see it is now on sale for 29.95), but I spend a lot of time at my desk and wanted it for probably a year before we bought it — the wait and see if you still want it technique didn’t work on this item! It tilts back and forth and there are three massaging roller balls (same effect that #26 above is getting for free), so it gives me something to do when I’m on the phone or whatever, that feels like, if not exercise, at least movement
While I guess this was an extravagance, at the time I used the cost per use justification — and now that I’ve had it for three years, and used it almost every day during that time, it has only cost literaly pennies a day and since I expect to keep using it for several more years, the cost will go down even more.

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]]> By: My Daily Dollars http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127563 My Daily Dollars Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:38:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127563 Isn't it satisfying to know that you can make something that works just as well as whatever overpriced option is in the store? That's great! Isn’t it satisfying to know that you can make something that works just as well as whatever overpriced option is in the store? That’s great!

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]]> By: Kathryn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127559 Kathryn Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:19:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127559 I have a deep desk with a shelf built underneath the middle section for a printer. (Yeah, like I'm going to leave my chair, squat, and reach back almost 3' to get some printout ... ain't gonna happen). We also have leftover paint I didn't couldn't store in the garage (shelves full). So we use the shelf and the floor (tiled) to store leftover paint and primer. Not only has it kept the paint in better shape for touchups (no skin has ever formed and, in a controlled temp climate, the paint hasn't gotten thick and unusable) but it also provides me with a really good footrest. The cans are of different sizes so I played around with which suited me best. The can I chose is 1 gal primer and it's a bit more than half full. It's stable, even when tilted. Best of all, it's FREE! I put my feet around the rim of the can (not the center) so I don't damage the lid. I like working with my legs up &/or extended ... it's easy to stretch the back of my legs that way, too. I have a deep desk with a shelf built underneath the middle section for a printer. (Yeah, like I’m going to leave my chair, squat, and reach back almost 3′ to get some printout … ain’t gonna happen).

We also have leftover paint I didn’t couldn’t store in the garage (shelves full). So we use the shelf and the floor (tiled) to store leftover paint and primer.

Not only has it kept the paint in better shape for touchups (no skin has ever formed and, in a controlled temp climate, the paint hasn’t gotten thick and unusable) but it also provides me with a really good footrest.

The cans are of different sizes so I played around with which suited me best. The can I chose is 1 gal primer and it’s a bit more than half full. It’s stable, even when tilted. Best of all, it’s FREE! I put my feet around the rim of the can (not the center) so I don’t damage the lid.

I like working with my legs up &/or extended … it’s easy to stretch the back of my legs that way, too.

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]]> By: Matt S http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127555 Matt S Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:37:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127555 We got this $3 children's stool from Ikea. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60101063 Works great. We got this $3 children’s stool from Ikea.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60101063

Works great.

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]]> By: trb http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127554 trb Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:22:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127554 We're definitely short-legged in my family. My grandma has had a thick wooden block under the kitchen table to rest her feet on for 60 years. We've all taken a lesson from here and used footstools - I've got my financial docs storage container at my home office, an extra recyling tub upside down at work, my backpack on an airplane, and (you guessed it) a big chunk of wood under the kitchen table. Love a good footrest! Never had a tiltable one, will have to give it a try. We’re definitely short-legged in my family. My grandma has had a thick wooden block under the kitchen table to rest her feet on for 60 years. We’ve all taken a lesson from here and used footstools – I’ve got my financial docs storage container at my home office, an extra recyling tub upside down at work, my backpack on an airplane, and (you guessed it) a big chunk of wood under the kitchen table. Love a good footrest! Never had a tiltable one, will have to give it a try.

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]]> By: the.arctic http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127552 the.arctic Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:00:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127552 If you have access to large cardboard tubes (approx 4-5" dia), they work quite well as footrests. You can also massage your feet by taking your shoes off and rolling them back and forth over the tube. And they're free. The kind I'm talking about are 2-3 feet long and are thick walled cylinders used for rolls of plotting paper. You might check the dumpster at your local print shop. Or you could call an architecture firm that does their own plotting. Depending on how much they do, they might be throwing away 5-15 tubes a week. If you have access to large cardboard tubes (approx 4-5″ dia), they work quite well as footrests. You can also massage your feet by taking your shoes off and rolling them back and forth over the tube. And they’re free.

The kind I’m talking about are 2-3 feet long and are thick walled cylinders used for rolls of plotting paper. You might check the dumpster at your local print shop. Or you could call an architecture firm that does their own plotting. Depending on how much they do, they might be throwing away 5-15 tubes a week.

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]]> By: Will http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127549 Will Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:24:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127549 I'm afraid I have to disagree with Anne on this one. I work from home on a laptop, and I'm getting signals from my wrists that now should probably be a good time to invest in a desktop and an ergonomic keyboard! I’m afraid I have to disagree with Anne on this one. I work from home on a laptop, and I’m getting signals from my wrists that now should probably be a good time to invest in a desktop and an ergonomic keyboard!

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]]> By: Anne D B http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127546 Anne D B Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:57:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127546 I would invest in a laptop. I think this is a "penny-wise, pound foolish" situation. Big outlay of money initially, but you can customize your ergonomic situation (i.e., rest laptop on your lap; settle into comfortable chair w/ laptop on lap). I feel qualified to speak on this since I contracted tendonitis while working at home, stopping just short of carpal tunnel syndrome. Believe me, once you screw up your body, it will take a lot more than $50 to repair it. Best of luck to you! I would invest in a laptop. I think this is a “penny-wise, pound foolish” situation. Big outlay of money initially, but you can customize your ergonomic situation (i.e., rest laptop on your lap; settle into comfortable chair w/ laptop on lap). I feel qualified to speak on this since I contracted tendonitis while working at home, stopping just short of carpal tunnel syndrome. Believe me, once you screw up your body, it will take a lot more than $50 to repair it. Best of luck to you!

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]]> By: Darla http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127544 Darla Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:34:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127544 Thank you!!!! My feet having been swelling terrible and I am to keep them elevated which works fine as long as I can work from bed, BUT if I have to sit at my desk I have a heck of a time, so THIS will help that. Not only that my husband is a serious handman and can have one of those whipped up here in about 10 minutes. *off to show him* Thank you!!!! My feet having been swelling terrible and I am to keep them elevated which works fine as long as I can work from bed, BUT if I have to sit at my desk I have a heck of a time, so THIS will help that.

Not only that my husband is a serious handman and can have one of those whipped up here in about 10 minutes.

*off to show him*

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]]> By: Peter W http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127542 Peter W Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:30:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127542 Absolutely ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

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]]> By: tylerwillis http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127540 tylerwillis Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:09:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127540 The question in my mind: at what point do we consider frugality first, shopping second? It's great that you saved yourself $50, but you did spend the time to drive to the store, look around, and come back. Frugality shouldn't be just about the money - it should also save time. If you'd thought to improvise first, then you'd saved yourself some time. Not berating, just noting. The question in my mind: at what point do we consider frugality first, shopping second? It’s great that you saved yourself $50, but you did spend the time to drive to the store, look around, and come back. Frugality shouldn’t be just about the money – it should also save time. If you’d thought to improvise first, then you’d saved yourself some time.

Not berating, just noting.

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]]> By: Ruthie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127538 Ruthie Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:24:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127538 Great post. I rest my feet on my printer, which I keep on the floor under my (small) desk to get some more desk space. Usually works great, although occasionally I'll hit a button by mistake with my fidgeting toes. :) Great post. I rest my feet on my printer, which I keep on the floor under my (small) desk to get some more desk space. Usually works great, although occasionally I’ll hit a button by mistake with my fidgeting toes. :)

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]]> By: dustin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127537 dustin Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:18:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127537 nice shoes. nice shoes.

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]]> By: Diatryma http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127534 Diatryma Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:11:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127534 It's also really easy to make a cat tree, if you have the equipment. Plywood, two-by-fours, a bunch of nails because I couldn't work the borrowed drill, leftover carpet, and sisal rope for the uprights. It's not pretty, it's not curvy, it's not perfect, but it's a lot cheaper than anything else for my cat to sit on in front of the window. It’s also really easy to make a cat tree, if you have the equipment. Plywood, two-by-fours, a bunch of nails because I couldn’t work the borrowed drill, leftover carpet, and sisal rope for the uprights. It’s not pretty, it’s not curvy, it’s not perfect, but it’s a lot cheaper than anything else for my cat to sit on in front of the window.

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]]> By: Drakar2007 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127531 Drakar2007 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:42:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127531 One of the things I hate the most is when I'm talking to some salesman / rep / etc, and I say (as you did) something like: "so that one is 50 bucks?" and they correct me: "no, it's $49.99" (they may as well say "49.99 and 99/100 cent", since that's still fractionally smaller than the real price. I guess they already do this with gas, heh). I've never been quick enough to do so before, but next time someone does that (if I can resist the urge to strangle them long enough), I'll stop the conversation and say, "wait... is it STILL $49.99 after *tax*??", and when they sheepishly go "no...", I will order them to simply call it what it is, henceforth. still probably won't work though, heh. One of the things I hate the most is when I’m talking to some salesman / rep / etc, and I say (as you did) something like: “so that one is 50 bucks?”
and they correct me: “no, it’s $49.99″
(they may as well say “49.99 and 99/100 cent”, since that’s still fractionally smaller than the real price. I guess they already do this with gas, heh).

I’ve never been quick enough to do so before, but next time someone does that (if I can resist the urge to strangle them long enough), I’ll stop the conversation and say, “wait… is it STILL $49.99 after *tax*??”, and when they sheepishly go “no…”, I will order them to simply call it what it is, henceforth.

still probably won’t work though, heh.

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]]> By: Dyna http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127529 Dyna Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:31:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127529 paint it black or some other dark color you have and it will look great I wanted a little rabbit house for my bunnies cage went to petco thay had it 3peices of bare plywood nailed together for 19.99 I went home and made one out of the scraps of plywood in my garage paint it black or some other dark color you have and it will look great

I wanted a little rabbit house for my bunnies cage went to petco thay had it 3peices of bare plywood nailed together for 19.99 I went home and made one out of the scraps of plywood in my garage

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]]> By: metroknow - AlmostFit.com http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127528 metroknow - AlmostFit.com Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:30:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127528 "<b>Depending on my mood</b>, I can angle my feet up or down." Larf! Great post as usual - hey, if you really want to be according to mood, you might consider having a few in different colors. For some things, there's Office Max. For everything else, there's a 2x4. “Depending on my mood, I can angle my feet up or down.”

Larf!

Great post as usual – hey, if you really want to be according to mood, you might consider having a few in different colors.

For some things, there’s Office Max. For everything else, there’s a 2×4.

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]]> By: rhbee http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127527 rhbee Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:09:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127527 So this isn't a case of ugly is as ugly does then? I still use glass block and boards for my office shelves though my wife's family always asks me "where's the beanbag chair?" DYI without the instruction kit, that is definitely the way to go. You might want to look into an inexpensive floor pad to prevent carpet wear though. So this isn’t a case of ugly is as ugly does then?

I still use glass block and boards for my office shelves though my wife’s family always asks me “where’s the beanbag chair?”

DYI without the instruction kit, that is definitely the way to go. You might want to look into an inexpensive floor pad to prevent carpet wear though.

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]]> By: Shirtless http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127526 Shirtless Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:09:35 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127526 I just use my sub woofer under the desk. I also keep a small Fender practice amp under there as well for when I want to recline a bit. I just use my sub woofer under the desk. I also keep a small Fender practice amp under there as well for when I want to recline a bit.

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]]> By: MoneyBlogga http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/04/12/frugality-in-practice-the-diy-footrest/comment-page-1/#comment-127521 MoneyBlogga Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:26:34 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1735#comment-127521 Good for you. It's surprising how well improvisation can work - often better than the store bought item (which probably wouldn't last as long and is programmed to self destruct within the year anyway!) One of my clients hasn't bought a new stick of ANYTHING since the 1980s. The furniture they have is straight out of 1985. Yes, it's rickety and not-so-great looking but they don't care. They're saving all of their money for an early retirement. I've taken a page out of their book as well. Good for you. It’s surprising how well improvisation can work – often better than the store bought item (which probably wouldn’t last as long and is programmed to self destruct within the year anyway!)

One of my clients hasn’t bought a new stick of ANYTHING since the 1980s. The furniture they have is straight out of 1985. Yes, it’s rickety and not-so-great looking but they don’t care. They’re saving all of their money for an early retirement. I’ve taken a page out of their book as well.

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